More and more cash strapped people are offering their stuff for sale at bargain prices online [1] at auction sites like Craigslist. For-sale listings on Craigslist are almost double from a year ago, which Craigslist CEO Jeff Buckmaster noted as growth "moving above the usual trend line." Many listings introduce a sort of personal tone by disclosing the reasons for selling their possessions — needing to pay bills and make ends meet explain why someone would sell family heirlooms or their engagement ring. Nancy Baughman, founder of eBizAuctions summarized the situation like this: "This is not about downsizing. It's about needing gas money."

Source [2]